How do I know what level I am? This a question we get asked by many clients wishing to book ski lessons.

It is probably one of the most important questions to know the answer to as it helps you book into the correct Group Class or gives your Private Lesson instructor the knowledge to help plan and structure your lesson and choose the most suitable terrain for you so that you can achieve your goals safely and successfully.

If you have had ski lessons before you may have been given some feedback regarding your ability at the end of the lessons which related to their levels scale. That information is always very useful and should be passed onto the next school/instructor when booking.

How often have you skied?

Zero, No experience at all – Complete Beginner

Under 6 hours

2-4 Days

1 week

2 weeks

3-5 weeks

6-10 Weeks

10 + weeks

Where have you skied?

On a dry slope (artificial slope outdoors).

On a rolling carpet (indoors).

In a snowdome (artificial snow).

What types of turns (or not) are you making?

BEGINNER - Not turning yet, skis either straight or in a Snowplough – moving in a direct line down the hill but not turning successfully.

ADVANCED BEGINNER - Snowplough Turning – being able to make controlled plough turns down the hill on an easy slope unaided and not falling over regularly.

EARLY INTERMEDIATE - Plough Parallels – Using the snowplough to successfully make the turn then matching the skis parallel in between and maintaining control of your speed.

ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE - Rough Parallels – The snowplough is almost going (it may be very slight on the turn) and my skis are parallel most of the time and I can maintain control of my speed.

PARALLEL - Neat parallel – The skis are in a parallel shape all the time on most slopes.

ADVANCED PARALLEL – Neat parallel and can ski all slopes reasonably easily and maintain control of your speed.

BEGINNER OFF PISTE – have not ventures very far past the piste markers and find it hard to turn and control speed in off piste and or bumpy terrain.

INTERMEDIATE OFF PISTE – Can get down most slopes when groomed or ungroomed and can negotiate off piste, maybe done some ski touring. Still find different steepness’s & snow textures challenging.

ADVANCED OFF PISTE – Can ski all off piste slopes so far but can still find some slopes challenging when the snow texture changes.

What colours of pistes (ski runs) are you most comfortable on and ski your best on?

Flat beginner slope (sometimes classes as yellow).

Green beginner’s area pistes.

Easy blue pistes.

Hard blue pistes.

Easy red pistes.

Hard red pistes.

Black pistes.

Off Piste.

Some ski schools issue level awards, the UK awards are called the Snowlife Awards and run from Penguin, Polar Bear then from 1* to 9*.

These awards teach kids all the skills they need to get around the mountain and also the International FIS Safety Code of conduct for skiers.

If you have attended a French Ski School before you can find their levels here so you can compare with the above.

Our clients say...

Derek has been instructing me, once last year and 5 times this year on a one to one basis.
My skiing has come on a treat and he doesn't bombard me with things to do and tries to make me work things out for myself by discussion, observing and videoing. Following Derek particularly off piste has helped me take better lines in a more controlled fashion.
He has always found the right level to push and test me without putting me too far out of my comfort zone and finds the right level of conditions whether it is on or off piste...which even this year he has managed to do considering the absence of lots of snow without travelling too far.
Today we were skiing through powder through the trees and it was close to the runs.
I will definitely be back for more.

Ross Moyes

Just wanted to say a big thank you to Derek for improving my dad's holiday so much.He really enjoyed the lessons (despite not being keen to start with!) and his skiing really came on. It was great.Thank you so much.Will not hesitate to recommend you to Guests in my chalet.

Amy

As a mountaineer I have skied around the world from Utah to Antarctica, and taken many lessons in many countries. The level of technical input, quality of teaching, and overall service of BASS Chamonix has been exceptional, and without doubt the best I’ve experienced. I am happy to recommend them to anyone.’

Andrew Denton - Chief Exec of the UK’s Outdoor Industries Association

Amazing day off piste with super Shona. Great tuition, great skiing and great company.

Lesley Pinkerton

"Shona is a fantastic instructor, great fun and incredibly informative. I learnt so much and can't wait to do another course with BASS Chamonix and Shona next time i'm in Chamonix, which hopefully wont be too long!"

Fran

“At the start of the course I thought the rest of the group were already great skiers, but Shona found different improvement areas for everybody. Her exercise routines enabled all to work on these and make great improvements.”
“The focus of the course is very much on you and your needs, not just another generic script”

Paul Ryan

'Shona has a great way of explaining concepts simply with rich imagery, she's always positive and tuned in to what's going on. Her depth of experience shines through because she has 101 ways of coaching in a concept and her timing of giving you the right help at the right time is impeccable'
'I would heartily recommend Shona as a ski coach for any level of skier'

Karen Moyes

'Shona is brave & patient enough to go back to the fundamentals and make sure they stick. This has allowed me to really accelerate my learning and I'm skiing the best I ever have on and off piste. I have had many breakthroughs and feel incredibly excited about my future progress'